Un Grain Décalé — Restaurant in Paris

Not computer-friendly!!! My wife and I were more or less pushed out for having computers. As a huge cafe lover, having frequented 100+ cafes, I never thought I'd meet a cafe I didn't like, until this afternoon. Here's the run-down of the experience: 1) Arrived on a Sunday at 2:05pm for a 2pm open. Not open? No problem. We'll grab a late lunch and be back, 2) Came back at 3:45pm. It's open. Went to put our things down and then come to order. Stopped. We're told we couldn't put our things down until we ordered first! Strange, but let's roll with it, 3) We ordered some coffees at the counter, and went to sit. The table we wanted was now taken by people playing chess who weren't drinking coffee or eating. Not cool, but found another table, 4) We pulled out our computers and notebooks to do some studying and writing, and 5 minutes later, were told verbatim that "the tables are for customers, not computers". We told them we had just ordered and were customers. They asked us to move to a thin bar-like bench facing the wall even though there were plenty of empty tables and seats elsewhere (only 4 other people in the whole place!). By this point, it was too much, and we decided to leave ... only plus, they hadn't started to make our coffees yet, so we weren't stuck...

You would think that this place has it all... great coffees, nice juice, price wise it’s a bit expensive but considering the neighborhood in Paris I mean why not.

Big minus : you can’t sit where you want if you use your computer (on a sales point of view I get it) then you have to buy something every hour to stay in. The lady let us stay longer which was very appreciated (still 5 euros at least per hour to stay in a coffee shop that’s a bit much) BUT I was sitting on a shaky chair so decided to change because if I were to reorder something and pay for a service might as well be sitting on something comfortable. What was not my surprise when I got very rudely put back in my place by the owner : i was not allowed to sit comfortably because HE needed the good chair... what a sense of customer service.

Anyway : if you want to be served by someone nice wait for the lady to come in, if not RUN away!!!

Also you can decide to give your money to other alternative coffee places that will not...

I had good experience, regardless of those comments that they were treated not in a great way (just read through most of them). Coffee were bit pricy. but considering the location right next to the garden, the price make sense. I was with my friend, ordered americano, caffe latte, & a slice of pistachio cake. I don’t feel bothered at all during my 20min of study w/o laptop. I appreciate for their service & thoughtfulness for serving glasses of water with our coffee. Which I think is quite necessary.

p.s. I think it would be better if the staff can politely communicate ahead for unnecessary tension regarding those seats, use of laptop & ordering policies. I do feel the frustration and anger for being miss treated. But 5 stars for my wishful thoughts for...